Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is grieving the loss of his father, who passed away shortly after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian team secured their place in the upcoming AFCON tournament with a game to spare, following a late equaliser by Victor Osimhen that leveled the score after Mohamed Tijani’s early goal put Benin ahead.
Despite challenging weather conditions and a determined opponent, the Super Eagles fought back to secure a crucial point to solidifying their AFCON qualification.
Nwabali, who was part of the squad that travelled to the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium for the match, took to social media page on Friday to share the sad news with his followers.
In a heartfelt post, the goalkeeper expressed his grief, simply writing, “Rest in peace, dad,” and “Rest in heaven,” accompanied by tearful and heartbreak emojis.
As the Super Eagles prepare to wrap up their qualifying campaign against The Wasps of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nwabali and his teammates will undoubtedly have their minds with him during this difficult time.
The Super Eagles squad and the Nigerian football fans are expected to rally around the Chippa United goalkeeper as he mourns his father’s passing.